SCOTLAND’S Health Secretary has said there is “no evidence” for Donald Trump’s claim that women taking paracetamol while pregnant is linked to autism in children.
The US President prompted outrage after his remarks that there had been a “meteoric rise” in cases of autism and suggested that Tylenol, which is known in the UK as paracetamol, was a potential cause.
Experts have already debunked the claim, accusing Trump of "fearmongering".
Trump said the medication should not be taken during pregnancy.
“Taking Tylenol is not good...” Trump said.
“I’ll say it, it’s not good. For this reason, they [the FDA] are strongly recommending that women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically necessary.
“That’s, for instance, in cases of extremely high fever, that you feel you can’t tough it out.”
His comments have been criticised by autism campaigners and scientists in the UK.
Health Secretary Neil Gray has joined those disputing Trump’s remarks, telling journalists there is "no evidence to say that paracetamol is anything other than safe”.
He added that Trump’s comments undoubtedly “will have added” to the stress and anxiety of pregnant mothers.
Professor Alison Strath, Scotland’s chief pharmaceutical officer, said: “The strong evidence base available shows that paracetamol continues to be the safe, recommended choice for managing pain relief and fever during pregnancy.”
She added: “We know how important it is for pregnant women to feel confident about their healthcare choices, so please do continue following NHS guidance and have open conversations with your midwife, GP or pharmacist about any concerns.”
Trump also claimed that the MMR vaccine – which protects against measles, mumps and rubella – should be taken in separate doses as “when you mix them, there could be a problem”.
He didn’t cite any scientific evidence for this, adding: “This is based on what I feel”.
In response to Trump's vaccine comments, Gray said the Scottish Government was “extremely concerned about the impact that has for our public health messaging”.
It comes after UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting urged pregnant women not to pay “any attention whatsoever” to the US president.
Streeting told ITV’s Lorraine: “I’ve just got to be really clear about this, there is no evidence to link the use of paracetamol by pregnant women to autism in their children. None.”
Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said: “There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.
“Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed.”
